A registered sex offender from Malden, Missouri, was taken into custody after authorities say he tried to get into Malden Elementary School as children were leaving for the day. The man, identified as 47-year-old George J. White, was arrested the following day and booked into the Dunklin County Justice Center on a cash-only bond.
Attempt to enter school during dismissal
According to the probable cause statement, White arrived at the school on Wednesday, Oct. 29 (during student dismissal) and approached a woman at the door. He reportedly said he wanted to come inside to check whether students were being taught the U.S. Constitution and lessons on government. The staff member told him those subjects were being taught but that he could not enter the building without an appointment, instructing him to return the next day through proper procedures.
Located nearby, refused to comply
Police later spotted White walking in the back lot of the Malden Community Building and confirmed he was an active registered sex offender. When officers attempted to detain him, they said he refused to comply and walked away, leading to his eventual arrest on Thursday, Oct. 30. He was then transported and booked into the Dunklin County Justice Center on a $45,000 cash-only bond.
Multiple charges filed
Investigators said White is facing a series of charges, including:
- Sex offender present/loitering within 500 feet of a school building or grounds
- Attempted burglary in the first degree
- Resisting or interfering with arrest, detention or stop
- Sex offender present/loitering within 500 feet of a park or similar facility (first offense)
- Fourth-degree assault
Officials emphasized that the incident happened while students were in the process of leaving school for the day, increasing the seriousness of the allegations.
